8 Best Grocery Shopping Tips for Parents

No matter who you are, there are certain activities in life that we all have to get done at some point. Grocery shopping is one of them. Some may view this as an exhilarating exercise within their schedule, while others may see it as more of a drag. If you fall under the category of the latter, this shouldn’t be the case.

Depending on the size of your family, your grocery shopping experience will differ from others. However, it’s important to remember certain grocery shopping tips and make it the most efficient trip possible. Make your grocery shopping list, and you’re already off to a great start!

Of course, grocery shopping goes beyond just making a list. Otherwise, you risk leaving the grocery store without the things you actually went there for. If you are buying groceries for your family, here are eight best grocery shipping tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Make a shopping list

The most important grocery shopping tip is to create a list of all the items you will buy. You’ll be amazed at how much a shopping list can positively influence your shopping plaza and store experience. Some of us are afforded the capability of having a great memory, but a list will still come in handy regardless. There are also many, unintended benefits that having a grocery list will have as well.

For starters, having a set number of items to purchase will sway your temptation. This means that you usually won’t be drawn to purchasing more than what you already need to get. Throwing less clutter into your shopping cart will make your grocery store trip that much more efficient!

Tip #2: Use shopping coupons

The use of coupons are generally an effective means of grocery shopping. Using a few of them can significantly reduce the overall price of your items at checkout. However, some may not realize that having more doesn’t always equate to a better shopping experience.

Using multiple coupons, because you’ve been saving them previously, can be counterintuitive. If you plan on purchasing more food items than originally planned just to use your coupons, you may end up spending a lot more. Be wary of your usage, and you will make financially-sound purchases.

Tip #3: Use shopping loyalty Cards

Like coupons, one of the best grocery shopping tips is to use a loyalty card. This card has various perks and benefits, depending on the actual supermarket, but can prove to be immensely helpful. In essence, the more points you collect from your expenditures, the more you can redeem them for free items in the future. Seek one out, if you haven’t already!

Tip #4: Avoid shopping at peak times

Like the gym, the best hours of the day to visit your grocery store are during off-peak times. Generally speaking, people will conduct their business there after the weekday has finished, such as the evenings. Grocery shopping during this time means you will inevitably face long wait times when checking out, even at express checkouts.

The best times to get your items are either during the weekday or weekend mornings. Aisles are a lot less cluttered, and you can get your things in rapid fashion. This may seem unimportant, but can be incredibly vital if you want to save time in your grocery shopping.

Tip #5: Go for plant-based shopping

Many of us indulge in our carnivorous side during meal consumption. Although it may be a necessary component of your grocery shopping, try to cut back on the meat purchasing. Whereas meat can quickly add up in terms of price, plant-based dishes can be a great alternative. They are cheaper, and vegetarian or vegan-based meals can be just as delicious too.

Tip #6: Shop in bulk when necessary

Many grocery stores have bulk options, where you can spend significantly less when purchasing an item in bulk. This can be extremely viable, as you will surely have enough of the respective product for weeks on end. However, it is not always practical to purchase items in bulk.

Try to stay away from purchasing products in bulk such as meat and dairy. Preserving the former in a freezer may seem like a useful thing to do, but items like dairy have a faster expiration date. You don’t want to have spent money on things that could be stored, but have actually ran past its shelf life!

Tip #7: Shopping for whole foods

Since health and wellness have skyrocketed into mainstream consciousness, it is vital to make sound grocery store purchases. Try to stay away from the more processed foods, and opt for wholesome choices instead. Nutrition is incredibly important, and having the right amounts daily will keep you feeling at your best every single day.

Tip #8: Drink more water

We all have our vices, as it pertains to beverages. Sugary drinks such as soda, for example, can be at the top of our lists at any given time. However, these quickly add up, both in terms of pricing and overall nutrition. It may be hard to get acclimated to in the beginning, but swap these beverages out for water. It’s way better on your wallet and your health.

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Dyno Mom

Part-time blogger and full-time mommy. I’m packed with recipe ideas, parenting tips, and just general good advice for finding my way around the house.